Ho-Ho-No! Winter’s Scariest Myths, Monsters, and How to Defeat Them

If you thought you could stop worrying about dangerous and mischievous monsters now that the spooky season has come to an end, buckle up. As jolly as most of our beloved characters are this time of year, there are still plenty who would love to see your cookies crumbled, your house snowed in, or worse. Much, much worse.

Although these winter monsters are no more than fictional characters and traditions (at least we hope), it’s still fun to think about how you might defend yourself from them – just in case.

The problem is that each character requires different methods and weapons to defeat them. Fire can usually take care of our more “frosty” villains, the Grinch just needs a good hug, and Krampus should be avoided altogether. Knowing how to kill, or at least incapacitate long enough to escape from, each of these winter monsters is critical if you plan to be out and about this time of year.

In this article, we’ll share the weaknesses of the most classic winter villains so you’ll be prepared to take them down and survive the season – at least this year.

The Abominable Snowman

The Abominable Snowman, otherwise known as a Yeti, is one of the most recognized and terrifying winter monsters of all time. Essentially a snowy Bigfoot, the Abominable Snowman is often depicted as a massive creature with thick white fur, enormous strength, and an imposing presence. Though sightings are rare, it’s said to be territorial and aggressive toward anyone unfortunate enough to pass by.

Weapons:

• Hunting Rifle: Because of the Abominable Snowman’s size, thick layer of fur, and large amounts of fat and muscle, you’ll need a heavy-hitting hunting rifle designed to take down big game if you plan to go for a snowy walk in the woods. A .375 Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan or a .450 Marlin 1895 are both great choices for this. If it’s big enough to take down a grizzly bear, chances are it will be able to take down a Yeti, too.
• Bear Spray: For a backup weapon or a non-lethal approach, bear spray can serve as a deterrent. Its high-capacity spray cloud can temporarily overwhelm even a Yeti’s senses, buying you precious time to escape (or reload).
• Pig Call: Although it isn’t a weapon, per se, a pig hunting call is an extremely useful tool when dealing with an Abominable Snowman. Both naturally curious and notorious for their love of pork, a pig call can be used to lure the Abominable Snowman into a trap or away from your friends.

Self-Defense Tips:

• Keep Your Distance: Yeti territory is remote. Avoid wandering into areas with oversized footprints, unexplained howls, or abnormally large patches of yellow snow. Prevention is key. If you find you’ve accidentally wandered into Yeti territory, seek shelter in a cave until the danger has passed.
• Carry Emergency Gear: In addition to your weapon of choice, carry items like a signal flare. Bright lights and loud noises might startle the creature and create an opportunity for escape. Warm clothing and hand warmers are also a good idea for long waits in an ice cave.

Krampus

Nobody bats an eye when Santa Claus commits breaking and entering on Christmas Eve each year. But when Krampus comes down the chimney, it’s a whole other story… This horned and hoofed Christmas demon is known for punishing naughty children by whipping them with birch branches and chains or shoving them into a sack. Definitely motivation to stay on the nice list!

Weapons:

• Tactical Shotgun: Although you can’t kill Krampus, you can shoot him with a 12 gauge tactical shotgun and buy yourself some time to escape. A shotgun is a great choice here thanks to its wide blast and user-friendliness. It’s also great for taking out some of Krampus’ creepy “little helpers.”
• Butane Torch: This may sound like an odd weapon, but a butane torch is a useful tool for burning Krampus’ birch sticks and the sack or basket he uses to carry kids away. Since Krampus can’t be killed, tools for escape are the most useful! Do what you have to do to escape.
• Bolt Cutter: Speaking of escaping, a bolt cutter is a great thing to have nearby on Christmas Eve if you’re worried about a visit from Krampus. Keep it within reach to cut the chains or ropes that bind you.

Self-Defense Tips:

• Stay on the Nice List: The easiest way to avoid a confrontation is to stay off of Krampus’s radar in the first place. Be kind, and generous, and avoid any behavior that might warrant a visit from this horned enforcer of Christmas justice.
• Wear Protective Body Armor: Wearing protective body armor or clothing is a great way to protect yourself from the sting of whips and chains.
• Carry Holy Objects: Krampus is technically a demon, so it’s reasonable to think that crosses, holy water, or other sacred symbols from your faith may help to ward him off.

Jack Frost

No matter which depiction of this icy mythical being is your favorite, Jack Frost is undeniably a cold and mischievous character. Some stories depict him as playfully malicious, while others portray him as downright evil. Either way, this guy is up to no good. And it’s important to be prepared to fight the frosty mayhem that always follows in his wake.

Weapons:

• Flamethrower: Nothing fights frost like fire. And a flamethrower is the perfect weapon to have on hand whenever Jack Frost is nearby. Use it to scare him away if he pays a visit to your house, or use it to melt the ice he leaves behind. Either way, add to cart.
• Fire Starter: If you’ve ever been through a snowstorm, you know that a large gust can knock the power out quickly. And if Mr. Frost is in town, you’re at risk of freezing to death. Owning and knowing how to start a fire with a ferro rod, lighter, or matches is absolutely critical in winter months. Plus, there’s nothing like a warm fire to keep Jack Frost at bay.
• Water or Steam: Jack Frost thrives on the cold, so using boiling water or steam might temporarily overpower him – at least long enough for you to get somewhere warm. Carry a thermos of hot water or use steam to drive him away in sketchy situations.

Self-Defense Tips:

• Wear Insulated Clothing: Layer up with thick, heat-retaining materials like wool, down, or heat-reflective fabrics to resist Jack Frost’s chilling touch. Warm socks, hats, gloves, and a solid winter coat should have their place in your closet.
• Carry Hand Warmers: If Jack Frost is around, there’s nothing you can do about the temperature outside. You’ll have no choice but to adapt. Keeping heat-producing items like hand warmers, heated blankets, and a space heater could mean the difference between life and death.

Gremlins

Gremlins *shudder* are tiny, mischievous creatures that thrive in chaos, especially when you feed them after midnight. They’re hard to catch and can multiply quickly. Killing these nasty creatures requires a mix of strategy, preparedness, and understanding of their weaknesses, but it is doable.

Weapons:

• Handgun: a high-capacity handgun like a Glock 19 with an extended magazine or a Century Arms AP5 Core is a great weapon for fighting Gremlins. These small creatures don’t require a lot of stopping power to kill, but where there’s one there’s more, so the more rounds you have the better. Even with a 30-round magazine, it’s a good idea to carry a spare mag or two to make sure you don’t run out of ammo when you need it most.
• Flashlight: Gremlins HATE bright lights. In fact, sunlight will kill these little suckers. Keeping the lights on in your house and the curtains open is a great first step, but if it’s night or the gremlins cut your power (which is likely) you’ll need a super bright flashlight, headlamp, or spotlight that you can shine in their eyes to scare them.
• Baton: Heavy items like bats, hammers, or batons can incapacitate gremlins, or even kill them outright. A well-aimed blow to the head is your best shot at killing these things, and a baton is a great backup to some firepower.

Self-Defense Tips:

• Follow the Rules: Prevention is key here. If you ever have the privilege of coming across a Mogwai, be sure to follow the rules. Don’t get it wet, don’t expose it to the light, and never EVER feed it after midnight. These rules aren’t a suggestion – take them seriously!
• Set a Trap: Gremlins are clever but curious. Use a bait-and-capture strategy with food and a sturdy animal trap to keep them contained until you figure out what to do with them.

Frost Giants

Frost giants, legendary behemoths of Norse mythology, are powerful creatures of ice and snow, typically associated with the Jötunheimr realm. Defeating them requires a mix of cunning, preparation, and perhaps some mystical or mythological assistance. It ain’t easy, but with the right gear and know-how, you’ve got this!

Weapons:

• Shotgun and Flaming Ammo: Because of their size, strength, and frosty physique, a 12-gauge shotgun paired with 'Super Dragon' Dragon's Breath shells is a great way to scare and potentially injure or kill these dreaded giants.
• Large Blade: A large sword or battle axe is useful for hand-to-hand combat if it comes to that. If you do have to use it, aim for the limbs and weak points like joints to try and incapacitate them until you have the opportunity to make the final blow to the head.

Self-Defense Tips:

• Warm Clothing: As with many of the other villains on this list, one of the best survival tips when battling frost giants is to stay warm. So, warm yet easy-to-fight-in clothing is a must-have when in this environment.
• Travel in Groups: There is safety in numbers, so plan to travel with a group when going through Frost Giant territory. Make sure everyone is armed as well!

The Grinch

This familiar green curmudgeon despises holiday cheer and will go to great lengths to ruin it for everyone. He’s sneaky, clever, and surprisingly athletic for his size. Defending yourself against this furry, small-hearted creature requires a combination of cleverness, holiday cheer, and a spirit of forgiveness. While he’s a crafty and sneaky villain, you can outsmart him and protect your holiday spirit (as well as your gifts and decorations!).

Weapons:

• Net Launcher: In true Who fashion, a net launcher is a fantastic “weapon” when protecting your home from the Grinch. If you know he’s coming, this non-lethal device allows you to hide around a corner and nab him before he swipes your tree.
• Taser: Once again, actually killing the Grinch isn’t on the agenda. Although he breaks into people’s homes while they sleep to steal their belongings, he never actually harms anyone, so non-lethal weapons, like a taser or mace, are best for incapacitating him without causing long-term harm.

Self-Defense Tips:

• Overwhelm with Kindness: The Grinch is a softie deep down. Follow Cindy Lou Who’s example by showing genuine holiday cheer and kindness and who knows? It might just melt his heart and stop him from stealing your Christmas.
• Keep the Fireplace Hot: Although he comes down chimneys, the Grinch lacks Santa’s magical powers. So, keep your fireplace hot to prevent him from wiggling down into your house.
• Set Traps: If you suspect the Grinch is nearby, set up some non-lethal traps – like a bell to alert you when he enters or simple tripwires to give you an advantage if he tries to sneak around.

Christmas Ghosts

If you thought Halloween marked the end of ghost season, think again. Christmas spirits like those who visited Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol are sent to teach lessons and change hearts. Although the result may be positive, nobody likes to be tormented by ghosts. Defending yourself against these phantoms requires both mental fortitude and spiritual preparation.

Weapons:

• Salt: Salt has long been believed to have purifying and protective properties. Sprinkling salt around yourself or your home can create a protective barrier, keeping spirits from entering.
• Christmas Decorations: Even if you’re not a fan of Christmas, putting up some decorations around your house can signal to all passing spirits that you are indeed celebrating the season. Once they see the tinsel, hopefully they’ll just pass on by.

Self-Defense Tips:

• Embrace Kindness and Generosity: These spirits often target people because they demonstrate greed and cruelty. Leading a life full of kindness, generosity, and compassion toward others will shield you from being targeted by such ghosts. Or, you can simply donate to an organization like Toys for Tots to keep your Christmas karma in check.
• Purify Your Space: Regularly cleanse your environment, whether through physical cleaning or by maintaining a positive atmosphere. Use rituals like burning sage to keep unwanted spirits at bay.

Bandits & Bad Guys

It’s no secret that criminals run amok during the holiday season. It’s their busiest time of the year! Whether dealing with burglars or truly evil bad guys who want to hurt you, you’ll need to use a combination of quick thinking, strategic planning, and resourcefulness to defeat them.

Weapons:

• Guns, Lots of Guns: Let’s say you find yourself in a situation where a group of organized criminals have taken a company Christmas party hostage (it happens more often than you’d think!). You’re going to need firepower to save the day. Guns and ammo, and lots of it, can help you pick off the bad guys one by one and prove your devotion to your estranged wife (ouch, too close to home?). Even better, equip your gun of choice with a silencer to stay low profile while you do what you’ve gotta do.
• Whatever’s Lying Around the House: If you’re home alone when burglars strike, you’ll have to think on your feet. Use what’s around you to create elaborate boobie traps and run those nasty bandits out of your house once and for all. Anything can be a weapon with a little creativity!

Self-Defense Tips:

• Invest in a Security System: A home surveillance system can go a long way in keeping burglars out of your house. Not only is a camera a deterrent if the bad guys see it, but it can also help you monitor your property. An alarm system can even alert the police when someone tries to break in, so in the event the burglars have cut your phone lines, help is still on the way.
• Practice Situational Awareness: Practicing situational awareness both at home and while out and about can help you identify potential threats before they have a chance to strike. Stay alert, keep packin’, and protect yourself and your family.

Summary

No matter what kind of monster you’re dealing with this winter, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself. Whether you’re setting traps for pesky gremlins or simply keeping a few extra hand warmers around in case of a visit from Jack Frost, do what you have to do to defend yourself against these cold-weather villains.

Although we’re playing around here, real-life self-defense is something we all need to take seriously. If you’re looking for a new IWB, OWB, or pocket carry holster for your everyday carry gun, head to our Holsters by Gun Model page for Kydex holsters that are custom-made for your weapon of choice.

Interested in items beyond holsters? Take a look at our Resources Page for links to recommended products like lights, lasers, first aid, maintenance, and more. Or, browse our selection of apparel, gun belts, and accessories. And be sure to visit our sister company, GeoGrit, to view our collection of durable, RFID-blocking minimalist wallets.

To stay up-to-date on all the latest Vedder Holsters content and offerings, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok. For more shooting and concealed carry resources, check out our blog or download our FREE e-book “The Concealed Carry Blueprint.” To discover which states honor your carry permit or to learn about CCW laws across the U.S., explore our interactive Reciprocity Map.

*This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase a product included on this list, we receive a commission at no extra cost to you.